I spent today reflecting on the significance of Good Friday. The power and beauty of the cross never ceases to bring me to a place of heartache. On one hand, I feel the depth and depravity over my own sin, where I grieve over my own selfishness and the price that was paid for it. On the other end, my heart aches with joy, love, and reverence for the Lord… what greater gift, what greater love is there, that He would give us Life when we deserve death.
“…the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45)
This veil represented our separation from God because of our sin, and only once a year, the High Priest was able to enter past it. He was to enter into God’s presence for all of Israel and make atonement for their
sins. In other words, the veil separated the dwelling place of God’s presence here on earth, from the rest of the Temple where men remained.
The picture of this veil being torn in two from top to bottom is so powerful and amazingly beautiful. After Christ breathed his last breath, it marked the end of the Old Covenant.
The death of Christ is more than just a historical event, but rather it’s a moment that changed our entire relational dynamic with God. His sacrifice was enough. The tearing of the veil symbolized that His sacrifice was a sufficient atonement for our sins forever.
How great is that.
“It is finished.” John 19:30
